Useful Information and Tips
We aim to provide useful information and tips to our bird lovers nationwide. You may be wondering why feed birds? Well a wide variety of birds can be attracted to your garden throughout the year by providing them with the nourishment they need. By carefully locating your bird feeder, maybe near a window, bird feeding can become a fascinating hobby to enjoy all year round. It might be a good idea to buy a bird book to understand a bit about the feathered friends who will visit your garden, and which bird food attracts which species of bird. The Bird Food Shop offers a wide range of wild bird food with a high content of polyunsaturated oil and proteins. It is important to supply them with enough water to drink and bathe in during the summer and winter.
Although birds need feeding all year round, many will feed on insects and grubs during the summer. Winter time is the crucial time to feed birds as other food sources will be scarce. However, once you've started feeding birds, they will easily become dependent on your food source, and may not locate an alternative if you stop.
We stock a wide range of wild bird food including specialty bird seed such as black sunflower seeds which are nutritious and usually a firm favourite with most garden birds. Thistle seed in the autumn and winter will also attract a wide variety of birds to your garden.
It is important to think about feeder placement. Feeders are best placed near a window where you can watch your visitors. However, to deter any unwelcome predators such as rats, cats and squirrels, it is best to place your feeder 2-3 metres away from overhanging trees and fencing. If you still can't deter unwelcome visitors we sell metal bird feeders specifically designed to deter squirrels.
When getting started remember that birds may take a couple of weeks to locate your feeder. It can sometimes be harder to attract birds during late spring and early summer when the wild food supply is greater. We sell a wide range of bird feeders, but a bird seed feeder is the best choice if you wish to attract a varied range of wild birds.
Once you have been bird feeding for a while you may notice their feeding habits. It is a good idea to feed birds all year round although bird feed can be reduced from the beginning of April. You may want to vary the amounts of bird food according to the seasons. An intelligent feeding regime throughout the seasonal calendar will help support and strengthen a most beautiful and important part of our wildlife.
Feeder hygiene and cleaning is an extremely important part of bird feeding, as disease can easily be spread through bird droppings on feeders or if bird seed is damp. It is a good idea to instigate a regular cleaning program. Remember to shake the feeder before refilling to remove any old seed or husks. About once a month clean your feeder with warm soapy water, but remember to make sure the feeder is completely dry before refilling, as this can cause problems.
